I-77 toll lanes take shape, battle continues against them

CHARLOTTE, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) - If you drive on I-77 you can see the toll lanes are taking shape. The future of what this road will look like is still up in the air as those who approved the original project are now hearing from drivers after an official review.

People in opposition to the I-77 toll lanes were out in full force at a Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization meeting Wednesday night in Uptown.

CRTPO members also heard a preliminary report from the company hired to review the toll lane contract.

So far, their report has listed several policy options for the board to consider, including: looking at terminating the agreement, eliminating toll lanes on certain segments, allowing HOV-2 lanes or establishing frequent toll lane user accounts.

The preliminary report also found the public, private, partnership (P3) to build the toll lanes in some people's eyes was almost forced upon area drivers

"Part of the public frustration was being told, this is the only option and that is not an ideal way to present a P3," said Jim Taylor from Mercator Advisors.

Now, year's later drivers are once again turning to the CRTPO for help, hopeful board members make a change this time around.

"Finish the project, turn it in to general purpose lanes. The volume of cars and businesses in our area definitely warrants that," said Michelle Ferulato.

Those who are opposed to the I-77 toll lane project will be holding a meeting tomorrow night in response to the meeting held by CRTPO on Wednesday.